Spanning multiple media and filled with teasing allusions to European cultural figures and high and low design objects, London-based Steven Claydon’s work forms a twisted set of references and artefacts. In (Uncle Tony) Trespasses and Dust, a drawing of a reclining man is printed onto a portion of linoleum containing patterns designed by the modern Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass. Claydon segments and repeats the man’s figure, fitting it into Sottsass’ design. The pattern and print influence one another, as the gestural lines and shapes of the linoleum sit below the figure’s legs and block out his eyes. The allusive title urges the viewer to search for a possible explanation for the man’s identity, though like many of Claydon’s works, the exact cultural and literary origins are left intentionally open-ended.
© steven claydon